While Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) stood up to deliver a sermon, he said: 0 people, Allah would make you assemble barefooted, naked and uncircumcised (and then recited the words of the Qur'an):" As We created you for the first time, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise (binding) upon us. Lo! We are to perform it, and the first person who would be clothed on the Day of Resurrection would be (Hadrat) Ibrahim (peace be upon him)" and, behold! some persons of my Ummah would be brought and taken to the left and I would say: My Lord, they are my companions, and it would be said: You do not know what they did after you, and I would say just as the pious servant (Hadrat 'Isa) said:, I was a witness regarding them as I remained among them and Thou art a witness over everything, so if Thou chastisest them, they are Thy servants and if Thou for- givest them, Thou art Mighty, Wise" (v. 117-118). And it would be said to him: They constantly turned to their heels since you left them. This hadith has been transmitted on the authority of Waki' and Mu'adh (and the words are):" What new things they fabricated."
The Book of Paradise, its Description, its Bounties and its Inhabitants - Sahih Muslim 2860 b
This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim contains essential teachings about the Day of Resurrection and intercession. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes humanity's resurrection in their primordial state - barefoot, naked, and uncircumcised - demonstrating Allah's absolute power to recreate as He first created. This reaffirms the Quranic promise in Surah Al-Anbiya.
The Honor of Prophet Ibrahim
The special mention of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) as the first to be clothed signifies his elevated status among prophets. Scholars explain this honor reflects his unwavering faith and his title as "Khaleel Allah" (Friend of Allah). This clothing represents both physical covering and spiritual honor in the hereafter.
The Reality of Intercession
The Prophet's intercession for members of his Ummah who are taken to the left (toward Hell) demonstrates his compassion. However, Allah informs him that these people abandoned Islam after his death, introducing innovations and turning away from the straight path. This establishes that intercession has conditions and cannot benefit those who fundamentally changed the religion.
The Example of Prophet Isa's Words
The Prophet Muhammad uses the same words spoken by Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Surah Al-Ma'idah, showing the continuity of prophetic wisdom. This emphasizes complete submission to Allah's judgment - acknowledging His perfect knowledge, justice, and wisdom in either punishing or forgiving.
Scholarly Warnings
Classical commentators emphasize this hadith warns against religious innovation (bid'ah) and apostasy. The phrase "they constantly turned to their heels" indicates complete abandonment of faith, not minor sins. This serves as a grave reminder to maintain the pure teachings of Islam as transmitted by the Prophet without alteration.